Vienna Space Internship Program

Spend up to 8 weeks in the charming city of Vienna where you'll discover how law and policy can impact human activity in space, with an opportunity to sit in on meetings at the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs.

The Vienna Space Internship Program is an exciting opportunity through the Jeff Bleich Centre available to students in any undergraduate course, who have completed the elective space topic Outer Space Governance: Business, Policy and Law. Your internship will take place at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) headquarters in Vienna, where you will explore space law and policy issues.

Not only will you meet and develop a professional relationship with those at ESPI, but you will be working in close contact with local space actors, and potentially attend the United Nations' meetings related to space. This is a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, and deepen your knowledge in an area impacting many industries.

If you are interested in partnering and supporting the Vienna Space Internship Program – please get in touch with Katrina Lee.

_{Left to right: Marco Aliberti (Associate Manager and Lead on International Engagement, European Space Policy Institute) and Associate Professor Rodrigo Praino (Flinders University)}

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Join the ESPI team and combine cutting-edge research with hands-on practitioners’ perspectives, on a broad range of space policy issues.

Marco Aliberti, European Space Policy Institute

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We support students as they engage with the fast‑evolving field of space policy within a leading European think‑tank.

Interns work as emerging policy professionals at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), an independent organisation providing strategic insights to European institutions since 2003.

During their time in Vienna, interns undertake research on a topic relevant to ESPI’s work and their own academic interests. ESPI staff are informed of the program’s requirement for interns to produce a substantial research project, and an internship supervisor supports each intern's professional development and assigns daily tasks.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to observe how space law and policy are shaped in Europe. Interns contribute to ongoing projects and gain valuable exposure to the decision‑making processes influencing space activities and security.

After returning, interns deliver a formal presentation on their research and experiences.

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This whole experience has been a dream for me and the people at ESPI made it all possible. This experience has taught me so much, not only about the work but about myself. From living and working in a Vienna to the simple joys of Kaisershmaarn, I’ve learnt that each day brings something new.

Jessie Hill Intern, 2026

Program dates (indicative)

Jan 4 - Feb 28

Students may arrive earlier or depart later if they wish to travel for longer, at their own expense.

Student cost (indicative)

7,200 AUD

This cost is inclusive of a $4,000 bursary offered by the College of Business, Creative Arts, Law and Social Science.

For financial support, students can apply for the RA Simpson international scholarship and the OS-HELP loan.

Hear from our interns about their experience

Step-by-step Application Guide

Complete pre-requisites and check your eligibility

Your application must meet 1 of these requirements:

You are undertaking topic INNO2005: Outer Space Governance in 2026, or
You have completed topic INNO3007 before 2026.

Students must also be eligible to enrol in the GOVT3011 elective topic - contact AskFlinders for specific advice.

First year students are not eligible.

Access the topic handbook

Applications open online in April

Start preparing your application and get in touch with the JBC team if you have questions or concerns.

Make sure you have got a passport sorted before you apply!

Contact the JBC team

Submit your application by 17 July!

For current students, the application form for the Vienna Space Internship Program will be uploaded here. You will need to log into InPlace, or download the InPlace App onto your OKTA.

Late applications will not be accepted. For any students who encounter issues accessing the application, please email us or call (08) 7421 9860.

Attend an interview

Shortly after applications close, shortlisted applicants interview in-person with the JBC Director, Topic Coordinator, and other academics.

Receive an outcome email in August

Every applicant will be contacted before Semester 2 Census Date, even if you are unsuccessful - no news is not always bad news!

Prepare for your departure

Interns will prepare for the Internship and arrange travel logistics, including flights and accommodation.

You are off to Vienna!

Interns will begin their internship around January 4th!

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